Hisley and Pullabrook Woods
Starting with spectacular views over the River Bovey valley, this walk takes you along woodland tracks by the River Bovey, and up through mature Douglas Fir forest. There is also opportunity for a bit of playtime down by the very picturesque, Hisley Bridge.
START Lower Trendlebere car park
DISTANCE 3 miles
TIME 2 hours
PARKING Lower Trendlebere car park
ROUTE CONDITIONS Steep climbs and rocky paths
REFRESHMENTS Farm, Café | Bovey Tracey, Newton Abbot - Ullacombe Farm
TOILETS None
OS MAP OL28
TOTS TRIED AND TESTED DIFFICULTY RATING
This is a really lovely walk, with lots of variation. It is hilly though, and both the descent and ascent, from and to the car park can be tricky for the little ones. Once down by the river, the path does get narrow and broken up by tree roots, which is also something to be aware of.
Make your way from the car park down a short path through the gorse to the Old Manaton Road. Follow this stoney byway, all the way down the hill. It eventually becomes flatter, running alongside the river until you get to a turning on your right by the 'pudding stone', which takes you to Hisley Bridge. This is a magical spot, where the children will love to dip their toes in the water.
Turn right off the bridge, and follow the path that runs alongside the river. This eventually leads into riverside meadows. Keep following the well trodden path, until you come to a lane.
Turn right along the lane, and at the next junction, turn right again, aiming to cross the river on the bridge. Just after the bridge is the entrance to a car park. Follow the route into the car park, past the end of car park, through the gate, onto forestry track.
Soon after joining the forestry track, look for a turning on your right, which drops down to the riverside meadow. Go through a gate into the meadow, where there are several benches to stop for a picnic or rest.
At the end of the meadow is a gate on your left, and a track going very steeply uphill. Go through the gate, and get your pretend ropes out. You will need them to haul each other up this super steep section.
Follow the forest track uphill, bearing right at the top, until eventually you reach the Old Manaton road again. Retrace your steps up to the car park. This last stretch can be particularly tough for the little ones after the previous climb.
There is a bench in the car park with some nice views for a post walk rest or snack.
Tot Tips:
Save energy for the end. There is a stiff climb back up to the car park, so make sure everyone has plenty of energy in reserve, or make sure you have lots of sugary snacks to encourage the little ones up the climb.
Get directions to start point here